England vs India 2026: 2nd ODI Match Preview

England and India square off in the second ODI at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16. The series is led by India at 1-0 after they won the first ODI at Edgbaston by six wickets on Tuesday.

Shubman Gill’s men would want to register another win on Thursday and seal the series. However, Harry Brook and Co. would hope for a much improved batting performance as their bowling attack is quite potent.

In the first ODI, Brook won the toss and opted to bat first. After a 61-run opening stand, England slipped to 80/5 and then to 107/6. Liam Dawson and Joe Root played brilliantly to stitch a defiant 121-run stand. In the end, the Three Lions were bowled out for 258 in 47.5 overs.

In reply, India lost the wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli early. However, Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill forged a 101-run stand to take their team to the brink. However, Shubman had to retire hurt after what seemed like an issue with his right leg. Shreyas and KL Rahul were also dismissed in quick succession. However, all-rounders Axar Patel and Washington Sundar took the team home with 28 balls left. Both of them scored unbeaten half-centuries. Axar won the Player of the Match award after bagging a four-for in the first innings.

India’s only concern will be Shubman’s fitness heading into the second ODI. However, latest reports suggest that he will be fit to play. In case he misses out, Shreyas Iyer, who is his deputy, will lead the side, with Ishan Kishan expected to walk into the playing XI.

ENG vs IND: Match Details

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff: Pitch Report

The Sophia Gardens in Cardiff is expected to provide an excellent batting surface with true bounce. However, seamers are expected to get lateral movement when the ball is new. The powerplay overs could be defining for both teams. Fans can expect a high-scoring clash.

ENG vs IND: Predicted Playing XIs

England

Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.

India

Shubman Gill (C)/Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna.